July 29, 2026
Contact: Kim Walker, 704-940-3149

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Canopy MLS has promoted longtime Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Steve Byrd to Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1.

Byrd succeeds Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq., who is retiring at the end of 2026 after leading both Canopy MLS and the Canopy Realtor® Association for over 25 years.

As Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Byrd has been responsible for the uninterrupted operation and continued advancement of one of the largest MLSs – ranked 17th nationally, with more than 22,000 subscribers. Since joining the organization in 1997, he has overseen the technology infrastructure that powers both the MLS and the Association, ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of systems relied upon daily by thousands of real estate professionals. He has managed the organization’s IT systems, including hardware, software, networks, and mission-critical technology platforms.

As CEO, Byrd will provide strategic leadership and oversee the organization’s operations, financial stewardship, innovation, and long-term growth while ensuring exceptional service to subscribers, brokers, technology partners, and consumers. He will also play a pivotal role in advancing recent initiatives designed to provide greater flexibility and efficiency for real estate brokers, including an expanded participation model and alternative listing input options.

He will lead the expansion of products, services and business opportunities to further position Canopy as a national leader in MLS innovation. Byrd will also continue collaborating with Executives of the Southeast MLS Alliance, building on the success of the partnership among Canopy MLS, Charleston Trident Regional MLS, Georgia MLS, Realtracs in Nashville, and realMLS in Northeast Florida. The Alliance provides brokers and agents with greater access to data and enhanced services, creating a more open, transparent, and efficient real estate marketplace.

 "As I prepare to retire, I have enormous confidence in Steve’s leadership and the strategic, collaborative relationships he’s built with our technology vendors and partners," said Anne Marie DeCatsye. "Steve’s extensive background in MLS operations, technology, innovation, compliance, and standards makes him an invaluable resource to our subscribers and the broader industry."

Beyond his work at Canopy MLS, Byrd has served on numerous national boards and advisory groups, including the Council of MLS (CMLS) Board of Directors, the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) Board of Directors, and the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) MLS Standards Workgroup, along with advisory panels for Cotality, Realtor.com, and ShowingTime.

Before beginning his career in real estate technology, Byrd served nine years in the United States Air Force. His assignments included the Air Force Data Services Center at the Pentagon, the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, communications units in Germany, and service in Doha, Qatar during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Byrd attended the University of North Carolina Charlotte. He lives in Waxhaw, North Carolina, and has two children, a son and a daughter.

While Canopy MLS is owned and operated by Canopy Realtor® Association, the appointment marks a strategic evolution in the organization’s governance. The Boards of Directors of both the Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS determined that appointing a separate chief executive for each entity will best position both organizations for future growth. For the remainder of 2026, Byrd will report to DeCatsye. Under a new Operations and Management Agreement effective in January 2027, Byrd will hold full executive authority over Canopy MLS while collaborating closely with the Association's executive leadership team. As part of this leadership transition, a national search is underway to select a dedicated CEO for the Canopy Realtor® Association.

For more information about Canopy MLS, please contact Kim Walker at kwalker@canopyrealtors.com.

Canopy MLS, is the region’s premier source for comprehensive, accurate and timely property data. Canopy MLS delivers innovative technology and productivity tools that support residential real estate transactions while helping subscribers serve their clients more effectively. Through strategic partnerships, Canopy MLS continues to enhance its value by advancing technology, expanding services, and delivering solutions that help subscribers succeed in an evolving real estate marketplace. Canopy MLS is the first MLS in North Carolina to allow subscribers who are not Realtors® to participate.

Source: T3 Sixty 2025 MLS rankings. Canopy MLS is ranked the 17th largest MLS in the United States.